I was wondering about the position of my thermostat on a 2000 buick park ave, and the size of the bolts thats holding my thermostat housing together? I recently had someone take it out because it wasnt opening, I went and bought a new one, and I would like to put it back in myself. I know where the thermostat is located but i dont know if the way I put the thermostat in matters, or do i have to put it in the same position it was taken out of? Also what are the bolt size thats holding the housing together? I dont want to use a regular wrench and risk stripping the bolts I want to buy a socket wrench to use so if anyone knows the size of the bolts would really help! Thanks for all the help!!!

Sorry wrong person to ask as i have never seen one in my life except on the TV ,but the body of the thermostat goes into the engine as this is what gets hot then expands opening the stat

YOU NEED 13M SOCKET. OR BUY A 13M SWIVEL SOCKET WITH LONG 3/8 INCH EXTENSION. TORQUE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BOLTS 20 FT LBS.

3.8 liter?

The thermostat will be installed with the spring part going into the engine. It really doesn't matter how the thermostat sits in the opening unless you have a thermostat that sits horizontal instead of veriticle. If this was the case the thermostat would likely have a small opening or hole in it which would sit at the 12 o'clock position. This hole will help bleed the air out of the engine once you start to refill it with coolant.

The bolts heads are usually a 10mm or 13mm.

Hope that helps. If you have any more questions I'll be happy to help.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

Hi yes it does matter which way it goes back in, and really it should only be able to fit in one way with the spring facing down, be sure to replace the gasket to with a new one, the bolt sizes vary from model to model, but if you are buying a socket wrench ( we call them a socket set with ratchet ) you would be better off buying a set as they normally have most sizes from 6mm up to 36mm, this way you are guaranteed to have the correct size you need, and possibly could work out cheaper in the long run...hope this helps